Joel, you are missed every day and especially today. There are days when I ask you to come back to me. I know this is not possible. I will be with you someday. I love you forever and into eternity.

Aw...Joel my friend. Been late in writing how to sum such memories of such a good and endearing friend. Met in art classes in 1969 UNC Greeley, CO. Lost track of each other until a chance meeting in Carbondale at a demo of a type of light rail. We had some really quality times hence...lots of lunches and walking talks about all things current. Miss the man forever. Memories of this gracious fellow I will carry until we meet again.

Joel was always so cheerful and friendly around Penterra when we both lived there in Denver. The world needs more gentle people like Joel. I am so very sorry to hear that he has gone.  Peace be with all his friends and family. What a pleasure to have known him. 

I first met Joel when he was in the eight grade, at Bloomfield Hill J.H. We both lived in the same sub division: Birmingham Farms. We both had many friends in our neighborhood. Joel had a Vespa motor scooter that we worked on. Later in our lives we both had Triumph cars. Cars and motorcycles were big on our list favorite things. Joel's father bought a GTO and my dad bought a Corvette. Woodward Ave. was the place to be for crusing. Ted's drive inn was a farorite destination.

During our college years, his family moved to Denver. We only keep it touch at Christmas, for many years. After my daughter moved to Denver, our friendship was rejuvinated. It was about that time that we met Andrea in, Castle Rock, CO. 

Joel, later moved back to Michigan, to Grosse Pointe Farms. I helped him move and we lived about three miles apart. We usually met for lunch about once a week. I was very happy for both Joel and Andrea when they reunited and moved to N.C.

Every time I see a cool motorcycle or car, I think of Joel. He was a dear friend and will be forever missed. He was almost a life long friend, 62 years. We both lived through some of the best years in our country's history.

Joel so valiantly fought for his health this past year. His will to live was palpable. But in the end, it was too much. It was sad to watch him suffer. He was lucky to have Andrea who selflessly became his health advocate and caregiver. I will miss you Joel. I hope you are at peace now and no longer suffering. Much love ❤️

Joel truly painted his love, creativity, adventures, and sense of humor as gifts for us to hold in our hearts and souls forever. As one of his nieces, I’m fortunate enough to say that I got to experience worlds he showed me that I’ll never forget. From a young age I admired his art and storytelling. He was our cool uncle with great style and lots of love! I had one of the best times of my life with him on the back of his motorcycle…and I’ll be cruising with him forever in my memories. I love you Uncle Joel.

It was many years ago, maybe 25, when I met Joel and Andrea through my husband, Ron Long. Ron was so excited when he came home from one of his photo shoots. "You'll never guess who I ran into? Joel Phillips. I haven't seen that guy since college. He was the kindest person, artistic, and all the girls had a crush on him, he was so good looking. Of course the Jaguar didn't hurt." Ron and Joel reconnected. Joel came to visit us, then we both met Andrea. Joel and Andrea hired Ron to install crown molding in their new home in Colorado. An architectural addition which said so much about Joel's and Andrea's love of all things stylish and elegant.  After viewing the pictures on this website of Joel, Andrea, and Olivia, Joel maintained his love of style until the very end, by his choice of people to love, a dear pet to harbor, and enjoying a fine wine, or dining out as he mixed things up, dressing to the nines with his favorite bow-tie or barefoot with potato chips! Great photos to remember Joel by. 

I only met Joel once in person. His kindness and warmth was abundant. His art amazing. His love for Andrea so beautiful. Airplanes, motorcycles and art his passion. I only regret only seeing him once. Love to Andrea, rest in peace Joel.

My Dearest Joel, this is for you and all those who had the pleasure of knowing you, and for those who would have enjoyed knowing you a bit more.

I love you until the end of the world.